A man's body was found lying near a bicycle about 7 a.m. on South Bennett Street, behind Crystal Springs High School, police said. The man was not affiliated with the school, police said.

"The body was found lying along the road, along with his bicycle," said Crystal Springs Police Chief Carol Robinson.

Police said the body of 58-year-old Mark Thornton may have been there since late Tuesday night.

Investigators said early Wednesday that Thornton may have been killed by a hit-and-run driver. But later in the morning, police said there was no obvious trauma to the body, nor was there any damage to the man's bike.

"We are not sure if it was a hit-and-run yet," Robinson said. "It would be pure speculation to say what happened right now."

Police were awaiting the results of an autopsy, which they hope will determine how the man died.

Thornton's friends were finding it hard to come to grips with his death.

"He told me he had been riding that bike for 10 years -- the same bike," said Acy Thomas. "He was here yesterday. He came to my house every day. I miss him already."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS.